Speculation has been growing in recent months about which candidates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will place on Likud's reserved slots for the next Knesset elections. Among the names being discussed is that of his son, Yair Netanyahu.
Nir Hefetz, who previously served as Netanyahu's spokesman, appeared on Radio 103FM about a month ago and predicted that the prime minister would indeed reserve a spot for his son on Likud's parliamentary list. "Around the 15th position, you'll see a very, very 'attractive' figure whose last name also happens to be Netanyahu. Let's see if I'm right --- I hope I'm not, by the way," Hefetz said.
When asked directly whether he believed Netanyahu would reserve a seat for his son, Hefetz responded: "I think yes. It depends on whether Sara wants it or not. I haven't been in touch with her for many years, but I estimate yes. I could also be wrong, you know to whom prophecy was given."
Several weeks ago, Yair Sharki, a political commentator and host on Channel 12 who wears a kippah, addressed the issue of Likud's reserved seats in his weekly column in Yedioth Ahronoth. He revealed that "a persistent rumor in Likud even speaks of the possibility that Yair Netanyahu will be among those with reserved seats." According to Sharki, the rumor suggests "the junior will receive a Knesset seat and his own faction of loyalists for a scenario in which Netanyahu the father, before or after the elections, decides to step down from the stage in a plea deal."
